A trip report for my recent Red Rock (and, surprise! Joshua Tree) trip... we planned a week in Red Rock but got rained out so did what the locals do... spent the weekend in Joshua Tree. Turned out to be a super happy accident... the last time I was in J-tree I felt like I'd never be able to climb 5.6 there... this time, I actually did a bit of leading (and loved it, and can't wait to get back).

I strongly recommend Birdland. If you did Belief... at Flight Path area and Cat Walk on Dog Cliff you'll cruise Birdland.

Yes, Birdland was awesome. It has one move on the entire thing that is a bit sketchy (gaining the pod at the very last anchor - basically the last move). Other than that, it had great exposure on the upper face.

Also, Dark Shadows had one of the finest pitches I've ever done (#2 or #3 depending on if you link the first two pitches together). The pod on the 4th pitch was scary though.

I'd fully agree with your comments; I thought it was funny that the crux of a five pitch route (Birdland) was the last move. If I remember, a small cam or stopper protects the move very nicely. And yes, the corner pitch of Dark Shadows is as good as you could ever ask for. The Spring climbing season at Red Rocks is starting soon - I can't wait!

Nice job with the CR-V. That's one reason I just bought an 08 Element besides it makes great toast!You can make it do a lot in little time and they go anywhere just like your CR-V. The element forum would have been better though for ideas

My ex had an element... while I love them in almost all respects, the seats are no bueno for my body. I did one long trip in it (Sea -> RR and back) and knew, that was not the vehicle for me for road tripping!

Haha, you just missed a fellow Mass crew down there. I did Dark Shadows circa Jan 2nd. For some reason I was in love with the 3rd pitch pod. I was a little weirded out by the black mirror smearing up pitch 2. How much of your rope did you get wet? I managed only to soak the last 25 ft or so.

Haha, you just missed a fellow Mass crew down there. I did Dark Shadows circa Jan 2nd. For some reason I was in love with the 3rd pitch pod. I was a little weirded out by the black mirror smearing up pitch 2. How much of your rope did you get wet? I managed only to soak the last 25 ft or so.

I actually wasn't there this year, only commenting on her trip report. I was there just before Thanksgiving two years ago.

My rope got soaked. We tried, but failed. Thankfully, we knew this might happen and so we brought two ropes (well, that and we knew it was easiest to rap off Crimson with two ropes).

. while I love them in almost all respects, the seats are no bueno for my body. I did one long trip in it (Sea -> RR and back) and knew, that was not the vehicle for me for road tripping!

But they are super fantastic climbermobiles, for sure!

Yeah, I understand. They are good for a few hours at a rip but after that the seats are not kind to the body. It rides like a 1953 truck.Yeah, I drive one of those too! Anyways.... Rough and stiff. The new CR-V is so nice.